Hard-Coded Credentials in NAVTOR NavBox

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves hard-coded credentials within the SOAP implementation of NAVTOR NavBox if the SOAP functionality is enabled. Detection would focus on identifying if the SOAP interface is active and if unauthorized access attempts to privileged WCF methods occur.

Since exploitation requires local access and involves SOAP methods, detection could include monitoring for unusual local access to SOAP services or attempts to extract credentials from the SOAP interface.

Specific commands are not provided in the available resources.

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Executive Summary

The vulnerability exists in NAVTOR NavBox versions up to 4.16.1.20, where hard-coded credentials are embedded within its Windows Communication Foundation (SOAP) implementation. If the SOAP functionality is enabled, a local attacker can extract these credentials. Using the extracted credentials, the attacker can bypass the intended transfer workflow by authenticating against the SOAP interface.

Once authenticated, the attacker gains access to privileged WCF methods, which allows them to write or overwrite files within paths defined by the application.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow a local attacker to bypass security controls by extracting hard-coded credentials and gaining privileged access to the SOAP interface.

With this access, the attacker can write or overwrite files in application-defined locations, potentially leading to unauthorized modification of data or application behavior.

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Mitigation Strategies

NAVTOR released a patch in April 2026 (version 4.17.2.6 or later) that automatically updates active NavBox connections. Applying this patch is the primary mitigation step.

For systems without active connections or where patching is not immediately possible, CISA recommends minimizing network exposure for control systems, isolating them behind firewalls, and using secure remote access methods such as VPNs.

Implementing cybersecurity best practices is also advised to reduce risk.

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Compliance Impact

The provided information does not specify how CVE-2026-21404 affects compliance with common standards and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

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